Sally Crafer

Sally is married with three grown up children. Having worked in the NHS, seeking justice and showing compassion are important to her. A cradle born Methodist, she has always accepted she had a faith but "like a mustard seed grows so has my faith grown both in size and depth."

I had lots of nudges, most of which I chose to ignore. People, other leaders of worship, pastoral visitors and strangers would encourage me to share my passionate, enthusing faith with others. The more I thought about it and then prayed about it the realisation that this gentle nudge was not going anywhere and that it needed to be acted upon.

I am a practical/experimental learner, so it was a blessing that with the guidance of a mentor I was able to help with and then undertake preaching appointments whilst training. I had a tutor who always found time for my off the wall questions and would always probe me further in written assignments. Lots of assignments asked for creative methods of delivering information so by the end of the course I felt equipped to proclaim the Good News of Christ in many inclusive ways.

I started training when the first lockdown occurred. My initial eagerness with thwarted by the closure of churches. The greeting and understanding and love I received from each church when public worship was able to continue was amazing. The feedback I received was affirming and helpful and help me to develop in both discipleship with Jesus and my calling.

To be able to share the Good News of Jesus's life, teachings, death, and resurrection and to be able to illuminate this to how to live today is such a privilege. To be an oracle to spread the message that God loves us, whoever we are, whatever our circumstances is superb. I feel humbled and loved by everyone I know in our Methodist Circuit and beyond. I am thankful that the Circuit Meeting accepted the Local Preachers group recommendation for me to become an accredited Local Preacher. My wish now is to continue to proclaim the Good News of Christ to others.